Learning Disability

What is a Learning Disability

Learning disabilities (LD) is an umbrella term
for a group of related cognitive disorders involving the ability to
acquire and use information through listening, speaking, or reading, and
the related ability to use information through writing or mathematical
reasoning. LD is a life-long disorder in one or more of the central
nervous system process related to the input, processing and output of
information. *

Generally speaking, a learning disability (LD) is a
life-long disorder in one or more of the central nervous system
processes related to the input, processing and output of information. In
most instances an individual with a learning disability has average or
above average intelligence. For the adult population with LD, there is
no one correct term that defines learning disabilities. There are over
13 major definitions of learning disabilities accepted throughout the
United States. Most of these definitions reflect a commonality in that
LD is thought to be a processing problem. The lack of a standardized
definition or common vocabulary often contributes to misinterpretation
of the term "learning disability".

For rehabilitation counseling
purposes, the U.S. Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services
Administration (RSA) defines a learning disability "as a disorder in one
or more of the central nervous system processes involved in perceiving,
understanding and/or using concepts through verbal (spoken or written)
language or non-verbal means. This disorder manifests itself with a
deficit in one or more of the following areas: attention, reasoning,
processing, memory, communication, reading, writing, spelling,
calculation, coordination, social competence and emotional maturity."

The term learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result
of visual, hearing or motor disabilities, mental retardation, emotional
disturbance, or environmental, cultural or economic disadvantage.
However, a diagnosis of another disability does not preclude the
co-existence of LD with that disability. Learning disabilities are life
long disabilities that cannot be cured or fixed. Additionally, an
individual can develop learning or performance strategies that can decrease
the functional limitations of the disability. Because learning
disabilities cannot be seen, they often go undetected. Oftentimes, these
impact self-esteem, education, vocation, socialization and/or daily
living activities.